Pistons fire Michael Curry

Curry clashed with AI and Rip Hamilton during his only season in Detroit. (Pic via everyjoe.com)

It looked like Michael Curry was going to survive the offseason and return to the bench to coach what will likely be a new-look Pistons squad next season.

Then came today’s surprising announcement that the Pistons has decided to part ways with Curry.

Curry compiled a lackluster 39-43 record while dealing with the effects of the Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson trade. His rotation frustrated several veterans, most notably Rip Hamilton, Allen Iverson, and Jason Maxiell.

Dumars has gotten a lot of credit during his run in Detroit, but his recent personnel moves haven’t made much sense. The Pistons figure to be the most active player in this summer’s free agent market, and are expected to pursue Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.

Signing Gordon would be yet another puzzling way for Joe D. to curtail the development of Rodney Stuckey.